Leon Bennett/FilmMagic; Alex Wong/Getty; Joy Malone/Getty Before they were A-listers, they were pledging Alpha, Beta, Gamma and more! While a college degree isn't required for a career in Hollywood, politics or fashion, numerous starshave pursued higher education— and some even went Greek along the way. Whether they participated inthe traditional rush processor were awarded honorary membership, these actresses, singers, models, politicians and designers are among their sorority's notable members. FromMeghan, Duchess of SussextoKamala Harris, here are the women who have paid their dues as sorority sisters. Amy Sussman/Getty Kathy BatespledgedAlpha Delta Piat Southern Methodist University in Dallas, where she graduated with a bachelor's degree in theater in 1969 — the year before she moved to N.Y.C. to pursue acting. Phillip Faraone/Getty In 1974,Jean Smartearned a bachelor of fine arts degree in drama at the University of Washington — where she was also initiated intoAlpha Delta Pi. Shannon Finney/Getty Actress and social activistAshley Juddwas aKappa Kappa Gammasister at the University of Kentucky. "My godmother was a Kappa at the University of Kentucky. I wanted to live in the sorority house so badly, I lived in a janitor's closet," shesaid during a 2014 event at the George Washington University. "Being Greek meant a lot of things. I joined lots of different organizations. I had so much fun." She added, "I was in the Kappa house when I learned I could call the state capitol or the governor's office, I could read the paper every day and learn about racism and violence against women. I learned a lot about life." Chip Somodevilla/Getty Elizabeth WarrenjoinedKappa Alpha Thetawhile at the George Washington University before transferring to the University of Houston, where she earned a bachelor's degree in speech pathology and audiology in 1970. Imagine having the Duchess of Sussex as one of your sorority sisters?! Meghan Markle pledgedKappa Kappa Gammaat Northwestern — where she earned a bachelor's degree with a double major in theater and international studies — in 2000 and remained a member till 2003. So KKGs can call her their sister! Related:Meghan Markle's Sorority Photo From Northwestern University Proves She Hasn't Changed One Bit The late Supreme Court Justice was also in a sorority!Ruth Bader Ginsburgwas inAlpha Epsilon Phiat Cornell University, where she studied government and met her future husband,Marty Ginsburg. She was also a member ofPhi Beta Kappaand graduated in 1954 as the highest-ranking female student in her class. Charlie's Angelsis all about the power of sisterhood, andLucy Liuwould know something about that: She was aChi Omegaat the University of Michigan, where she graduated with a bachelor's degree in Asian languages and cultures in 1990. Susan Walsh/AP The former vice president — who graduated from Howard University with a degree in political science and economics — often speaks about the support and love she's always felt from her sisters fromAlpha Kappa Alpha(the first Black sorority). "To my line sisters, the 38 Jewels of Iridescent Splendor," Harrisspoke during Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated's 71st Bouléin 2024, "you are such an incredible part of my journey. And I love you, guys." Friday Night LightsstarConnie Brittonwas a Sigma Kappa at Dartmouth University, where she majored in Asian studies. "I feel like my experience being able to go to college and study all the things that I studied — not being a drama major, being a Chinese major — absolutely has contributed to the rest of my life," Brittontold TIMEin 2015. "It's easy to laugh at that and say, 'What does that have to do with being an actor?' For me personally, though, it's shaped the person that I am, and that's something that I needed." Dia Dipasupil/Getty Phylicia Rashadattended Howard University, where she pledgedAlpha Kappa Alpha. "What happened when I joined the sorority? One of the things that struck me the day I pledged AKA were the other young women who were all being inducted," shetoldOprah Dailyin 2021. "The diversity of interests was inspiring. The world became a little bit bigger, still, and I hadn't considered my world very small. There was something about going through a pledge period with other young women who you really didn't know very well. And you must learn to bond, trust and depend upon one another. Think about what that means." Jennifer Garnerwas aPi Beta Phisister at Denison University, graduating in 1994 with a bachelor's degree in theater performance. Jenna Dewanwas aPi Beta Phiat the University of Southern California, where she stayed for 18 months until she dropped outto go on tour as a backup dancerforJanet Jackson,perPrestige. Alpha Chi Omegas can count themselves in good company: They've gotCondoleezza Rice, the first female African American secretary of state, as one of their sorority sisters. Shejoined the sororitywhile at the University of Denver. Nathan Congleton/NBCU Photo Bank/NBCUniversal via Getty Cosmopolitanreportedthat the eldest Kardashian was an Alpha Phi at the University of Arizona, where she graduated in 2002 with a bachelor's degree in theater and a minor in Spanish. Roll Tide! The former Bachelorette was anAlpha Chi Omegaat the University of Alabama, and graduated in 2017 with a degree in communication and information sciences. Related:12 Bama Rush Rules You Didn't Know Sorority Recruits Must Follow While pursuing a degree in music education in the early '80s,the Grammy Award-winning singerjoinedKappa Alpha Thetaat the University of Missouri. Hoda Kotb— who graduated from Virginia Tech in 1986 with a degree in broadcast journalism — was aDelta Delta Deltamember. Duringher last week as a host on theTodayshow, Kotbreunited with 70 of her Tri Delta sisterswho "came from all over the country, because we love you." "You guys, I can't believe you did this," Kotb said. "I love you guys. I was the pledge trainer for the sorority. It meant the absolute world to me. I can't believe you guys came. I'm shocked. I can't believe it y'all." Katie Couricand Kotb have more than justTodayin common: They were both in Greek life! Couricpledged Tri-Deltawhile at the University of Virginia — graduating in 1979 with a degree in American studies. Carrie Underwoodis a Sigma Sigma Sigma girl! In the middle of her studies at Northeastern State University, the singer competed onAmerican Idol(and won!) — returning to college to graduate magna cum laude with a degree in mass communications. We betKristin Chenowethwas "Popular" while she was a member ofGamma Phi Betaat Oklahoma City University, where she earned a bachelor's degree in musical theater and a master's degree in opera performance. Bette Midlerattended the University of Hawaii and pledged Delta Phi Epsilon. The then-aspiring actress was studying drama, but left after three semesters to study theater in N.Y.C. Rock & Roll Hall of FamerDionne Warwickbecame anhonorary member of Zeta Phi Betain 1978 and was recognized for her contributions in music. Before she played a Theta Pi sister inSorority Row(2009),Jamie Chungwas a Kappa Kappa Gammaat UC Riverside, where she graduated in 2005 with a bachelor's degree in economics. Roy Rochlin/Getty It's no wonder thatElizabeth Banks— who isall about girl power— was a Delta Delta Delta at the University of Pennsylvania, and even used her experience to make movies likePitch Perfect(2012) andCharlie's Angels(2019) "As a filmmaker, I wanted to tell a story about women working together and expand upon the idea of sisterhood and sorority that was meaningful to me when I was makingPitch Perfect," Bankssaid of makingCharlie's AngelstoThe Hollywood Reporterin 2019. ABC Photo Archives/Disney General Entertainment Content/Getty With that hair, she was probably a highly sought-after pledge!Farrah Fawcettwent Delta Delta Delta while at the University of Texas, where she switched her major from microbiology to art. However, she eventually dropped out to pursue acting in Hollywood,perThe New York Times. Aretha Franklinbecame an honorary member ofDelta Sigma Thetain 1992. When the Queen of Souldied at age 76in 2018, the sororityhonored her with their traditional Omega Omega ceremonyon the first visitation night. While studying journalism and theater at the University of Southern California,Sophia BushrushedKappa Kappa Gammabut left before graduating after booking her breakout role as Brooke Davis onOne Tree Hill. Alicia Keysis anhonorary member of Alpha Kappa Alpha. The Grammy Award-winning singer was inducted in 2004. Before she was solving crime onLaw & Order: SVU,Mariska Hargitaywas a pledge at UCLA! She's aKappa Gamma Gamma. Molly Sims— who went to Vanderbilt University — was a Delta Delta Delta. She was there for two years before she dropped out to pursue modeling. Terry Wyatt/Getty The actresspledged Alpha Phi at Northwestern University— taking a brief break from college to filmFather of the Bridein 1991 and later returning to finish her degree in drama. Wanda Sykeswas a member ofAlpha Kappa Alphaat Hampton University, and still regularly posts about the organizationon her Instagram. Robin L Marshall/Getty The Officeain't got nothin' on rush week!Angela Kinseywas aChi Omegaat Baylor University, where shetook numerous theater classesand got a bachelor's degree in English. TheEverybody Loves Raymondstar was aDelta Gammaat the Ohio State University, graduating with a bachelor's degree in drama. Related:Before 'Scream Queens', These TV/Movie Sororities and Fraternities Ruled the School Read the original article onPeople
